Most people probably won’t read that much into the fact that the Chicago Bears will conduct joint practices with the New England Patriots this August. They should.
For one thing it’s a great idea for the players on that team to test their mettle against one of the best in football, even if it’s only on the practice field. However, history shows that practicing against Bill Belichick has yielded some rather fascinating results for the opposing teams’ quarterback.
What kind of a result? In a word, an excellent one. Dating back to 2012, every team that has practiced against the Patriots in August went on to produce high quality passing seasons on offense that year. Here is a rundown of each year, which team(s) they hosted or visited and what happened subsequently.
2015 – Saints
- Passing offense finished 1st overall
Drew Brees was his old self again, throwing for 4,870 yards and 32 touchdowns to just 11 interceptions. Brandin Cooks broke out with 1,138 receiving yards and nine scores.
2014 – Redskins and Eagles
- Redskins passing offense finished 11th overall
- Eagles passing offense finished 6th overall
Despite Robert Griffin III, Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy each starting at least four games, the Redskins still managed over 4,400 yards passing. Nick Foles and Mark Sanchez also split snaps and managed over 4,500 yards.
2013 – Eagles
- Passing offense finished 9th overall
This was the best season Foles would have as a pro. After replacing Michael Vick, he managed 2,891 yards and an astounding 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions in 10 games.
2012 – Saints and Buccaneers
- Saints passing offense finished 1st overall
- Buccaneers passing offensive finished 10th overall
It wasn’t as prolific as the previous year, but Brees still threw for 5,177 yards and 43 touchdowns in New Orleans. The bigger surprise was in Tampa Bay where Josh Freeman (yes, that Josh Freeman) put up 4,065 yards and 27 touchdowns for the Buccaneers.
This has to bode well for Jay Cutler. Expectations are high for the 33-year old this season. He’s in the second year of the same offense under a coordinator he respects in Dowell Loggains with receivers in Alshon Jeffery, Kevin White and Eddie Royal that are teaming with playmaking potential. Few defenses in the NFL are better coaches than the New England Patriots. So getting a chance to make mistakes and learn against them without any true consequences can only mean good things for Cutler.